For World Friendship Day, the Church of Scientology Shares the Key to Lasting Relationships
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA • A new “Golden Rule” to kindle compassion, improve relationships, and empower happiness, from a common-sense, universal moral code
The Church of Scientology International extends an invitation to people of goodwill to join Scientology Churches and Missions in support of International Day of Friendship, a United Nations initiative that promotes “friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals” and seeks to “inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities.”
In observing this UN Day, Scientologists share two precepts from The Way to Happiness, the common-sense moral code written by L. Ron Hubbard, that hold the key to lasting friendships:
- “Try not to do things to others that you would not like them to do to you,” and
- “Try to treat others as you would want them to treat you.”
“Among many peoples in many lands for many ages there have been versions of what is called ‘The Golden Rule,’” wrote Mr. Hubbard. “The philosophic question concerning wrongdoing, the argument of what is wrong is answered at once on a personal basis: Would you not like that to happen to you? No? Then it must be a harmful action and, from society’s viewpoint, a wrong action. It can awaken social consciousness. It can then let one work out what one should do and what one should not do.”
As to the second and positive version of the rule, “One can get into a lot of conflicting opinions and confusions about what ‘good behavior’ might be,” Mr. Hubbard wrote. “If one were to think over how he or she would like to be treated by others, one would evolve the human virtues. Just figure out how you would want people to treat you.”
The full text of these precepts, available on The Way to Happiness Foundation website, provides know-how for an individual wishing to implement the guidelines personally or take them up with others to help them salvage or enhance interpersonal relationships.
Putting these and the other 19 precepts of The Way to Happiness into action has everything to do with the purpose of International Friendship Day, because, as Mr. Hubbard points out:
“Aside from personal benefit, one can take a hand, no matter how small, in beginning a new era for human relations. The pebble, dropped in a pool, can make ripples to the furthest shore.”
Scientology Churches mark International Friendship Day with open house events and forums where they share successful application of The Way to Happiness in addressing issues of importance to the community. They also reach out with The Way to Happiness information stands and distribution events to share the booklet and its wealth of knowledge.
An interactive timeline on the Scientology website documents how the Church of Scientology Kansas City and Kansas City community activists partnered for Peace Rides, based on the effectiveness of Peace Rides in Los Angeles. The KC team distributed The Way to Happiness to promote a climate of unity and peace, counter violence and reverse the city’s climbing homicide rate. In honor of the event, Kansas City rapper and recording artist Kodde One wrote the anthem “Hold Yo’ Head High” to help spread the booklet’s message of brotherhood throughout the city.
Other examples of the impact of The Way to Happiness are featured on the Scientology Network in episodes of the original series Voices for Humanity, which spotlights the work of humanitarians using the booklet to address societal needs. These episodes include the work of:
- Rev. Father Teddy Sichinga, who uses The Way to Happinessto empower poverty-stricken farmers and villagers in Zambia;
- Diana Pedroni, who in partnership with the director of National Prevention and Citizen Security in the Dominican Republic distributed the booklet throughout the country resulting in a 21 percent drop in crime;
- Rosalba and José Cordero and their Social Development and Recovery of Values Association, who not only educate young people with these precepts in schools, they also bring the program to inmates across Mexico’s entire prison system resulting in 99 percent of their graduates living lives free of crime.
Those using The Way to Happiness in their communities share rave reviews of its effectiveness:
“I firmly believe that The Way to Happiness can change the perspective of many people to life and difficult situations that arise in it,” writes the coordinator of social rehabilitation and rehabilitation center for young offenders.
“Extremely motivating and inspiring. Moreover, in this world of intolerance and violence, the messages of peace and sharing can bring about a change in the world,” wrote a teacher.
“Two precepts really took my daughter’s interest,” wrote a parent. “‘Be Industrious’ and ‘Flourish and Prosper.’ She never looked back after that and has since carried a seemingly unkillable momentum and spirit about life. I have no doubt what started her turnaround. It was The Way to Happiness.”
For more information on The Way to Happiness, contact your local Church of Scientology or visit The Way to Happiness Foundation website.
The Founder of the Scientology religion is L. Ron Hubbard and Mr. David Miscavige is the religion’s ecclesiastical leader.
